ON AIR: Ssaagala AgalamiddePresenter: D Kasasa / B Lubega / S Mumanya

MP OTTO DETAINED TO MOBILISE PROTESTERS AGAINST LAND MINISTER

Aruu County Member of Parliament Odonga Otto is accused of mobilizing groups of naked protesters to accost a team of officials from the Lands Ministry in the interest of protecting their land.

The chaotic scenes erupted last evening in Amuru district where the Ministry of lands had moved in to survey the land, located south of the Zoka forest, where a sugar factory is planned for construction.

Police escorting the team led by Lands Minister Betty Amongi, used teargas canisters and live ammunition to disperse the protesters in the process some people including minors were injured.

The bare-chested women and MP Otto surrounded the minister’s vehicle and dared her to come out. They advised to go and give away land in her own in Lango sub region and leave Acholi land alone.

The minister was advised by her team to, and she did retreat from the protesters who had blocked the road with burning logs.

MP Ottoo was arrested and taken away in what the area RPC Bosco Otim said was to protect him.

The contentious 10,000 hectares chunk of land, according to Minister Amongi was freely given out by over 100 owners, for construction of the sugar plant which local politicians led by MPs Gilbert Oulanya , Odonga Otto and Lucy Akello refute.

Some leaders in Acholi including DP President Norbert Mao support the sugar project which is expected to create up to 8000 jobs and help develop the area.

Minister Amongi however insists that the land survey will proceed as planned.